Changing your hair color can be exciting, but sometimes you might end up with a shade you don’t love or experience unwanted buildup from repeated coloring. Stripping hair color at home offers a way to revert back to your natural color or create a clean slate for a new dye job. However, it’s crucial to approach this process with caution to minimize damage and achieve the desired results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, precautions, and aftercare tips to help you safely and effectively strip hair color at home.
Understanding Hair Color and Stripping
Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s essential to understand the basics of hair color and how stripping works. Hair color typically falls into a few categories: temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent. Each type interacts differently with the hair shaft, influencing how easily it can be removed.
Temporary color sits on the surface of the hair and washes out easily, while semi-permanent color penetrates slightly deeper but fades within a few washes. Demi-permanent color contains a low-volume developer, allowing it to deposit color and blend grays but not lighten the hair. Permanent color, as the name suggests, permanently alters the hair structure using ammonia and peroxide to open the hair cuticle, deposit color, and lift the natural pigment.
Stripping hair color essentially involves removing the artificial pigment from the hair shaft. This can be achieved through chemical processes or natural remedies, each with varying degrees of effectiveness and potential for damage. The method you choose will depend on the type of hair color you’re trying to remove, the condition of your hair, and your desired outcome.
Methods for Stripping Hair Color at Home
Several methods can be used to strip hair color at home, ranging from commercial color removers to DIY concoctions. It’s important to research each option and choose the one that best suits your hair type, the type of color you want to remove, and your comfort level.
Commercial Color Removers
Commercial color removers are specifically formulated to remove artificial pigment from the hair. They typically contain chemicals that break down the color molecules, allowing them to be washed away. These products are generally more effective than natural remedies, but they can also be more damaging if not used correctly.
When using a commercial color remover, carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Perform a strand test on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to assess how the product will affect your hair’s color and condition. Apply the color remover evenly to your hair, avoiding the scalp, and process for the recommended time. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a deep conditioning treatment.
It’s essential to understand that commercial color removers may not completely remove all traces of color, especially if you’ve been dyeing your hair for a long time or using dark colors. You may need to repeat the process several times, but be careful not to over-process your hair. Allow your hair to recover for a few days between applications, and use moisturizing treatments to replenish lost moisture.
DIY Methods for Color Removal
If you’re looking for a gentler approach, several DIY methods can help fade unwanted hair color. These methods are generally less effective than commercial color removers, but they are also less damaging.
One popular DIY method involves using a mixture of baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift color molecules, while anti-dandruff shampoo often contains sulfates, which can also help fade color. Mix equal parts of baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo to form a paste. Apply the paste to your damp hair, focusing on the areas where you want to remove the most color. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner.
Another DIY option involves using vitamin C tablets. Crush several vitamin C tablets into a fine powder and mix them with a small amount of clarifying shampoo to form a paste. Apply the paste to your damp hair, focusing on the areas where you want to remove the most color. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30-60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner. Vitamin C is a mild bleaching agent that can help fade color without causing significant damage.
Dish soap is another common household item that can be used to strip hair color. Dish soap is a strong detergent that can effectively remove oils and buildup from the hair, which can also help fade color. However, dish soap can be very drying, so it’s important to use it sparingly and follow with a deep conditioning treatment. Apply a small amount of dish soap to your damp hair, lather well, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask.
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten hair and fade unwanted color. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water and apply the mixture to your hair. Sit in the sun for 30-60 minutes to allow the lemon juice to work its magic. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner. Be aware that lemon juice can be drying and can make your hair more susceptible to sun damage.
Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup and impurities from the hair, which can also help fade color. Use a clarifying shampoo regularly to help gradually fade unwanted color. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to prevent dryness.
Remember that DIY methods may require multiple applications to achieve the desired results. Be patient and avoid over-processing your hair. Always follow up with moisturizing treatments to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Preparing Your Hair for Color Stripping
Before you start the color stripping process, it’s important to prepare your hair to minimize damage and maximize results. This involves assessing your hair’s condition, protecting it from damage, and gathering the necessary supplies.
First, evaluate the overall health of your hair. Is it dry, brittle, or damaged? If so, you may need to postpone color stripping until your hair is in better condition. Focus on deep conditioning treatments and protein masks to strengthen and repair your hair before proceeding.
Avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hours before color stripping. This allows your natural oils to build up and protect your scalp from irritation. If you have sensitive skin, consider applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your hairline to prevent staining.
Gather all the necessary supplies before you begin. This includes your chosen color remover or DIY ingredients, gloves, a mixing bowl, an applicator brush or bottle, a timer, a shower cap, a towel, and a deep conditioner. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Perform a strand test before applying any color remover or DIY mixture to your entire head. This will allow you to assess how the product will affect your hair’s color and condition. Apply a small amount of the product to a hidden section of your hair, such as underneath a layer near the nape of your neck. Process for the recommended time, then rinse and evaluate the results. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The Color Stripping Process: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve prepared your hair and gathered your supplies, you’re ready to begin the color stripping process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a safe and effective outcome:
- Protect your clothing by wearing an old t-shirt or cape.
- Put on gloves to protect your hands from the color remover or DIY mixture.
- Mix the color remover or DIY ingredients according to the instructions.
- Apply the mixture evenly to your damp hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Be sure to saturate all of the hair that you want to strip of color.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap to trap heat and help the product penetrate.
- Set a timer for the recommended processing time. Check your hair periodically to monitor the color change.
- Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water until all traces of the product are gone.
- Apply a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and repair any damage. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, then rinse.
- Towel-dry your hair gently and avoid using heat styling tools. Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible.
Aftercare and Maintenance
After stripping your hair color, it’s essential to provide it with extra care and attention to restore its health and prevent further damage. Color stripping can be drying and damaging to the hair, so it’s important to focus on moisturizing and strengthening treatments.
Deep conditioning treatments are crucial for replenishing lost moisture and repairing damage. Use a deep conditioner at least once a week to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Look for conditioners that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
Protein treatments can help strengthen and repair damaged hair. Use a protein treatment every few weeks to fortify your hair and prevent breakage. Be careful not to overdo protein treatments, as too much protein can make your hair stiff and brittle.
Avoid heat styling as much as possible. Heat styling tools can further damage already stressed hair. If you must use heat, always use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. Consider air-drying your hair whenever possible.
Use gentle hair products that are free of sulfates, parabens, and alcohol. These harsh chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause further damage. Look for products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair.
Protect your hair from the sun. Sun exposure can fade hair color and damage the hair shaft. Wear a hat or scarf when spending time outdoors to protect your hair from the sun’s harmful rays.
Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and prevent breakage. This will help keep your hair healthy and strong.
When to Seek Professional Help
While stripping hair color at home can be successful, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help. If you’re unsure about the process, have severely damaged hair, or are trying to remove a difficult color, consulting a professional colorist is always a good idea.
A professional colorist can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best course of action. They have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively remove unwanted color without causing further damage. They can also help you choose the right color and technique for your next dye job.
If you’ve tried stripping your hair color at home and haven’t achieved the desired results, or if you’ve experienced any adverse reactions, such as hair breakage or scalp irritation, seek professional help immediately. A professional colorist can help you correct any damage and restore your hair to its healthy state.
Stripping hair color at home can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to approach the process with caution and knowledge. By understanding the different methods, preparing your hair properly, and following the aftercare tips, you can safely and effectively remove unwanted color and achieve the hair of your dreams.
What’s the difference between color remover and bleach, and which should I use?
Color removers are designed to gently lift artificial color molecules from your hair shaft without altering your natural pigment. They typically contain reducing agents that shrink the dye molecules, making them easier to wash out. Bleach, on the other hand, lightens both artificial and natural pigments using an oxidation process, which is significantly more damaging to the hair’s protein structure.
If you’re aiming to remove only artificial hair color and want to minimize damage, a color remover is the preferred choice. Bleach should only be used if you’re also trying to lighten your natural hair color or if the color remover hasn’t achieved the desired results. Keep in mind that bleaching after using a color remover can sometimes cause the remaining dye to re-oxidize, potentially darkening the hair again.
Can I strip black hair dye at home?
Removing black hair dye at home is possible, but it’s often a multi-step process and requires patience. Black dye molecules are typically the smallest and most deeply embedded, making them the most difficult to remove. Using a color remover is the first step, and it may require several applications to lift a significant amount of the color.
Be prepared for the hair to pull warm tones (orange, red, or yellow) as the black dye is lifted, even with a color remover. You might need to tone the hair afterward to neutralize these unwanted tones. If the color remover doesn’t lift enough of the black dye, consider consulting a professional stylist for advice or more aggressive treatment options. Multiple applications of color remover are safer than using bleach, but always follow product instructions carefully.
How do I prepare my hair before stripping color at home?
Before attempting to strip your hair color, focus on strengthening and hydrating your hair. A week or two before the process, incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine at least twice a week. This helps to replenish moisture and repair any existing damage, making your hair more resilient to the stripping process.
Avoid using heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons in the days leading up to the color removal, as heat can further weaken the hair. It’s also beneficial to do a protein treatment if your hair feels weak or damaged. A healthy foundation is crucial for minimizing damage and achieving the best results when stripping color.
What tools and products will I need to safely strip hair color?
You’ll need a color remover kit suitable for the type of hair dye you’re trying to remove. This typically includes a developer, reducing agent, and sometimes a buffer or clarifying shampoo. Also, gather a mixing bowl (non-metallic), application brush, gloves, a towel you don’t mind staining, and clips to section your hair.
In addition, you’ll need a deep conditioner or hair mask for after-treatment, as color removers can be drying. A toner appropriate for neutralizing any unwanted brassiness (e.g., purple shampoo or toner) might also be necessary, depending on the results you achieve. Ensure you have these items on hand before starting the process to avoid any interruptions.
How often can I safely use a color remover on my hair?
While color removers are generally less damaging than bleach, they can still strip moisture from the hair. It’s crucial to space out applications to allow your hair time to recover. Waiting at least one to two weeks between applications is generally recommended to minimize potential damage.
Assess your hair’s condition after each application. If it feels dry, brittle, or damaged, prioritize deep conditioning treatments and avoid further color removal until it regains its health. Over-processing can lead to breakage and other serious hair damage, so moderation is key.
How do I prevent damage when stripping hair color?
Prioritize deep conditioning treatments both before and after stripping your hair color. These treatments help to replenish lost moisture and strengthen the hair shaft, reducing the risk of breakage. Use protein treatments sparingly, as too much protein can also make hair brittle.
Always follow the instructions on the color remover kit carefully, and don’t leave the product on longer than recommended. Section your hair thoroughly and apply the product evenly to avoid uneven results. After stripping, avoid heat styling and harsh chemicals for a few weeks to allow your hair to recover.
What should I do if my hair is still brassy or uneven after using a color remover?
If your hair is brassy or uneven after using a color remover, don’t panic. Brassiness (orange or yellow tones) can be corrected with a toner or purple shampoo specifically designed for your hair color level. Apply the toner or purple shampoo according to the product instructions, carefully monitoring the color development to avoid over-toning.
For uneven results, you can try another application of color remover, focusing only on the areas that didn’t lift as much color. Alternatively, consider consulting a professional stylist for a color correction service. A stylist can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best approach for achieving a more even and desired result.